Shortly after being elected to return to the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman-elect Mike Fitzpatrick addressed the crowd at the annual Stand Up for Life Dinner of the Pro Life Union of Southeastern Pennsylvania. He made a brief reference to prayer witnesses for life outside Congressman Patrick Murphy's office. "Come January 5th" (referring to when he'd be sworn in), Fitzpatrick told the enthusiastically approving crowd that the witnesses would need "to find a new gig."
On 2/15/11, Congressman Fitzpatrick spoke from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives: "The consideration of spending cuts must be careful and deliberate. The budget of every department must be scrutinized while keeping in mind the promises made to my constituents in the Eight District of Pennsylvania and the millions of Americans who showed concern with our growing deficit." To allow continued funding of Planned Parenthood goes against his promises of fiscal and moral
As per Congressman Fitzpatrick's 2/16/11 op-ed in the Intelligencer: "Many members of Congress, myself included, campaigned on reducing spending by $100 billion, which would return federal spending to 2008 pre-stimulus levels. Making these reductions is about more than just keeping a campaign promise; it is fundamental to the health of our economy and the future security of our nation....In order to put our country on a path to sustainable spending, tough choices will have to be made. This week, the heavy lifting begins."
As explained by LifeNews.com, "Some 54 Republicans voted against the measure because they wanted to see the Pence Amendment de-funding Planned Parenthood and the pro-life riders that stop abortion funding in various instances included in the measure." It boggles the mind as to why Congressman Mike Fitzpatrick voted for this Continuing Resolution, instead of standing firm with Mike Pence, Joe Pitts, Chris Smith & the 51 others in that group. All the more disturbing is that this vote is coupled with pro life legislation, which Fitzpatrick has NOT (as of 3/19/11) co-sponsored:
- HR 217 - "To amend title X of the Public Health Service Act to prohibit family planning grants from being awarded to any entity that performs abortions, and for other purposes." As per Catholic Advocate, "If passed, this legislation would have a huge impact on Planned Parenthood that reported having performed 324,008 abortions in 2010, the same year they received $368 million in U.S. government grants and contracts....this type of federal funding needs to end. This effort will be helped by Abby Johnson’s recently released book Unplanned: The Dramatic True Story of a Former Planned Parenthood Leader’s Eye-Opening Journey across the Life Line. The story of Johnson’s resignation as a clinic director could help dampen public support for taxpayer money being doled out to Planned Parenthood." As Congressman Fitzpatrick did support an earlier Continuing Resolution which called for defunding of Planned Parenthood, this can be confusing. As of 3/19/11, Congressman Fitzpatrick is NOT among the 172 co-sponsors of HR 217.
- HR 358 - "To amend the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act to modify special rules relating to coverage of abortion services under such Act." As chairman of the USCCB's pro life activities, Cardinal DiNardo wrote to Congress on 1/20/11: "I...urge members of both parties who support rights of conscience and the policy of the Hyde amendment to support and co-sponsor the Protect Life Act. Please help give us a reformed health care system that respects the life, health and conscience of all." As of 3/19/11, Congressman Fitzpatrick is NOT one of the 140 co-sponsors of HR 358.
- HR 361 - "To amend the Public Health Service Act to prohibit certain abortion-related discrimination in governmental activities." As chairman of the USCCB's pro life activities, Cardinal DiNardo wrote to Congress on 1/20/11: "Passage of ANDA is urgently needed to protect the civil rights of health professionals and other health care entities. This bill reaffirms a basic principle: No health care entity should be forced by government to perform or participate in abortions." As of 3/19/11, Congressman Fitzpatrick is NOT one of the 65 co-sponsors of HR 361.
- HR 374 - "To implement equal protection under the 14th article of amendment to the Constitution for the right to life of each born and preborn human person." As of 3/19/11, Congressman Fitzpatrick is NOT one of the 65 co-sponsors of HR 374.
Also, in light of the Obama Administration's disregard for DOMA and federal obscenity laws, what - specifically - will be Congressman Fitzpatrick's response?
We need to ask Congressman Fitzpatrick whether he is still up "for the heavy lifting"? Is he still up to the fight of standing up for Truth?
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